The impact of prednisone in life-threatening idiopathic anaphylaxis: reduction in acute episodes and medical costs.

Two patients with frequent episodes of well documented life-threatening idiopathic anaphylaxis were studied. Despite prior treatment with antihistamines and self-administered epinephrine, both patients continued to have episodes of anaphylaxis. At the time of presentation to the Northwestern University Allergy Service, prednisone and antihistamines with or without sympathomimetics were started. Described in this report are the substantial reductions in the frequency of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and anaphylactic episodes after our medical management was instituted.